Bill Tammeus

By Kelsey Hoffmann For a man who always had a knack for words, Bill Tammeus, BJ ’67, could only utter one after finishing the letter: “Wow.” The letter came from a mother in central Illinois whose son had recently died from leukemia. It explained that a column she had read in The Kansas City Star … Continued

Mike Deeson

By Lauren Flaker Investigative reporting isn’t for everyone. The hours are long. There are constant barriers to information. Sources don’t always want to talk. Mike Deeson, BJ ’70, however, thrives on the excitement of these challenges. The investigative reporter for WTSP News in Tampa, Florida, approaches every story with the same vigor he did when … Continued

Larry Zimmer

By Christopher D. White After 56 years on the radio, sportscaster Larry Zimmer, BJ ’57, still loves the feeling of speaking to listeners through the radio waves. It is a medium that allows him to bring drama-filled public events to the homes of thousands of people. Zimmer’s understanding of the intimacy of radio broadcasts developed … Continued

Jenifer Langosch

By Kara Kostal She looked around the room, and a feeling of awe came over her. Many fans around the country would give their most prized baseball cards to be in her position. At age 23, Jenifer Langosch, BJ ’07, was entering a room occupied by every living baseball hall of famer, all waiting to … Continued

Jana Shortal

No one knows more than Jana Shortal, BJ ’00, the value of having someone believe in you. From her days in the Missouri School of Journalism through critical turning points of her career as a broadcast journalist, various people have stepped in at different times to encourage and mentor her. Their efforts ultimately have shaped the trajectory of her life and career.

Pamela Gerhardt

What do you do? I write and teach. Here’s my quick bio: Pamela Gerhardt’s memoir about her father’s stroke, “Lucky That Way,” published by University of Missouri Press, Oct. 1, 2013, won the 2014 American Society of Journalists and Authors Outstanding Book Prize, memoir/bio category. It was also nominated for The American Book Awards and … Continued

Teresa Schmedding

What does it take to merge digital and traditional journalism within a newsroom, to reform the American Copy Editors Society and to take career-jeopardizing risks? Whatever it is, Teresa Schmedding, BJ ’89, MA ’09, has got it. She has the ability to see where improvement is needed within an organization as well as the confidence … Continued

Trebor Banstetter

What do you do? I work in corporate communications at Delta Air Lines, primarily supporting government affairs and financial communications. I interact regularly with global media covering the airline and travel industries, telling the story of Delta and its 80,000 worldwide employees. I also work closely with my Delta colleagues on crisis communications and internal … Continued

Edith Jordan Garrett

What do you do? Due to health reasons, I have been retired since 1978. How did you get your job? At that time, the J-School had a small employment office on the second floor. Job openings were posted on a big bulletin board. Students were free to copy those they chose and contact by letter … Continued

Michael Churton

What do you do? I am an associate producer with NBC Peacock Productions. We make long-form shows for various networks including NBC Networks, Discovery Networks and MTV Networks. How did you get your job? I networked at a Christmas party and met an executive producer who, four months later, brought me in for an interview. … Continued